155 / 170
2015
43
MARKETING CONTENT BEST OF 2015
AdvancedAnimal Care
Winner – BestVeterinarian
M
ahatma Gandhi once
said, “The greatness of a nation
and its moral progress can be
judged by the way its animals
are treated.” One local veterinary
center, Advanced Animal Care,
echoes this sentiment and is
changing the dynamic of the field one dog and cat at a time.
Since 2001, the husband-and-wife team of Drs. David
and Leslie Steele has helped thousands of animals achieve
a better quality of life, implementing innovative practices
that ensure the emotional well-being of the patient and truly
getting to know pet owners.
“It’s fantastic,” said Dr.
David E. Steele, reflecting
on the hospital being named
Best Vet in Mount Pleasant.
“It’s a little bit of validation
regarding the things we’re
doing that separate us from
other practices.”
By implementing “Low
Stress Handling,” Dr. Steele
strives to make pets and
owners feel completely at
ease. His main objective is
getting to the core of what
the patient experiences
emotionally. Knowing
the anxiety and fear that
revolve around a pet’s trip
to the vet, Dr. Steele strives
to eliminate this trepidation by instilling a sense of peace as
early as the initial puppy/kitten visits.
“The work we’ve done with low stress handling is
notable,” said Dr. Steele. “It’s been a very concerted effort on
our part to change the way we work with our patients.”
Rather than resorting to drawing blood by restraining
the animals, the dog or cat can be trained to stay still during
the procedure. Low Stress Handling has already been
implemented in zoos nationwide, with lions and dolphins. By
establishing a deep trust, Dr. Steele has witnessed numerous
significant changes in animals once plagued by distress.
“I can 100-percent honestly tell you that I love my job,”
said Dr. Steele. “It excites me when I see a patient who is
initially fearful and then, by the end of the visit, they make a
wonderful transformation.”
In addition to its pioneering practices, he also credits the
center’s success to the dedication and drive of the people he
employs.
“My staff is here because they have a strong desire to help
animals,” said Dr. Steele. “It’s really all about our passion for
our job. We are passionate about improving the quality of
life of every pet.”
Wanting to touch lives beyond sporadic vet visits, Dr.
Steele has plans to host
evening education classes.
The sessions will run the
gamut from correcting
separation anxiety to
implementing obedience
training.
“This community feeds
us, so we owe it to them
to do the same,” said Dr.
Steele, who works with a
variety of rescue groups
throughout the Lowcountry.
Currently, he is the
proud owner of six cats
and two dogs but gleefully
admits that number has a
tendency to fluctuate in his
household.
As I make my way to the exit, a fox terrier is playfully
interacting with three pointer puppies, and, like their
owners, they look enthused, cheerful and happy to be here.
Trusted, warm and knowledgeable, Advanced Animal Care
is the obvious choice if you are looking for treatment for
your four-legged family members.
To learn more, visit
www.advancedanimalcaremp.com, call
843-884-9838 or drop by 3373 Morgans Point Road, Suite
301, in Mount Pleasant.
Photo provided by Advanced Animal Care.
Dr. David Steele has helped thousands of animals achieve a
better quality of life.